Sacha Faces Months Out As Serious Injury Rocks SA Rugby
The Stormers and South African rugby as a whole will be deeply concerned by news that star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could face an extended spell on the sidelines.
The generational talent, who has drawn comparisons in some quarters to Dan Carter and currently leads the URC points-scoring charts, was forced from the field in the 52nd minute against Cardiff after sustaining an ankle injury.
Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani struck a cautious tone when addressing the injury concern.
“As far as I know, it’s an ankle injury, and he will be out for a while,” said Hlungwani.
The initial prognosis suggests Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be sidelined for at least three months, meaning he will miss the Stormers’ crucial semi-final against Leinster in Dublin, as well as a potential final should they progress.
On the international front, the flyhalf appears set to miss the inaugural Nations Championship fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales in July.
Perhaps most concerning of all, the setback raises doubts over whether he will be fit in time for the highly anticipated Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.
Despite their emphatic victory, the Stormers emerged from their bruising encounter with Cardiff carrying several injury concerns. However, they will take some comfort from the news that two of the players forced from the field are expected to travel to Dublin for the semi-final.
Outgoing lock Ruben van Heerden was withdrawn at half-time for a head injury assessment, while Dan du Plessis suffered a knee injury. Seabelo Senatla, meanwhile, sustained a Category 1 concussion after colliding with the LED advertising boards while diving to score.
“Ruben is travelling, and so is Dan,” confirmed the forwards coach.
“Seabelo is not looking good. So we are looking okay overall, but Seabelo is a big loss.”
With reports suggesting that Frans Malherbe’s contract expires at the end of the season, questions have arisen regarding the two-time Rugby World Cup winner’s current condition and future.
The 35-year-old has not featured since the Stormers’ URC clash against Scarlets in Llanelli in March 2025 as he continues his recovery from a chronic back and neck injury.
Hlungwani admitted he was not in a position to provide any clarity regarding the tighthead prop’s future.
“I don’t know the full details, so I am not in the best position to answer that question,” explained Hlungwani.
“If anything, he was training with the injured players two weeks ago when I was working with them. Beyond that, I do not have any further information.”
